The Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis is a voluntary, 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to bring about a wholesome and constructive relationship between the community and veterans of our Armed Forces. The activities of the Council culminate in our annual observance of Veterans Day.

In the mid 1960's, some civic-minded individuals decided that the City of Indianapolis needed to honor Indiana Veterans with a special observance of Veterans Day. Many of the smaller cities and towns in Indiana as well as many Service Organization Posts in Indianapolis did indeed recognize Hoosier Veterans on this special day, but there was no citywide observance of what was initially known as Armistice Day.

Through the joint effort of civic leaders, military leaders, educators and the business community, a committee was formed to organize appropriate recognition events for a Veterans Day observance. Records of those early organizational meetings are not available, and it was not until 1972 that the first official records of the Veterans Day Council were created. All the records from 1972 to 2014 are available in bound volumes in the library of The American Legion National Headquarters.

Today Veterans Day in Indianapolis is observed in much the same way as in those early years, with a Veterans Day Service, a Parade and a Banquet. The Veterans Day Council is now incorporated, but its charge has not changed since it was organized in the 1960's - - to appropriately recognize the Veterans of Indiana so that their deeds and sacrifices will not be forgotten.

2018 Veterans Day Agenda

All observances scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2018Service​10:30 a.m. Musical Prelude Indiana War MemorialPerformed by the 38th Division Band, Indiana Army National Guard,North steps of the Indiana War Memorial

11:00 a.m. Veterans Day Service Indiana War MemorialNorth steps of the Indiana War Memorial

Parade11:45 a.m. Veterans Day Parade Downtown IndianapolisThe parade kicks off as soon as the Veterans Day Service concludes. More than 80 units march in this annual parade, which begins at Michigan and Pennsylvania Streets, moves south on Pennsylvania to New York Street, west to Meridian Street and finishes at North Street.